16 February 2024 , 16:05
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A jockey who was warned off for failing to cooperate with an investigation into his riding has had the order lifted just two days after it was issued.
Conditional rider Dylan Kitts was suspended last year while the BHA security team looked into the controversial running of Hillsin in a race at Worcester last July.
Hillsin finished third in a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle but the horse was banned for 40 days and the incident referred to the BHA.
Worcester stewards concluded the horse had been ridden “without appearing to ever be asked for its finishing effort” by Kitts while finishing just a length and a quarter behind the winner.
The ride provoked a lot of negative reaction with Chris Honour, trainer of the horse, reporting he had received a death threat. He subsequently asked for the horse to be removed from his stables.
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On Wednesday the BHA announced that Kitts, whose address was given as Pembroke in west Wales, had been issued with an exclusion order which banned him from all licensed racing premises, including racecourses and stables, and associating with any licensed persons.
The BHA said Kitts had failed to cooperate with the investigation which continues, but on Friday the regulator reversed its action having heard from the jockey.
Hillsin (circled) finishing third under apparent tender handlingA statement said: “The BHA can today confirm that it is now in receipt of relevant information requested by the integrity team as part of an ongoing investigation involving Mr Dylan Kitts.
"As a result of this information being provided, the disciplinary officer exclusion order issued earlier this week, which was imposed after multiple previous deadlines had been missed, has been lifted.
"Mr Kitts remains suspended from race riding while the investigation continues."